Babies and Sign Language - post

What is “baby signing” in child care?
Many infants understand words before they can say them. “Baby signing” means using simple hand signs (gestures) with spoken words to help babies share needs like “more” or “milk.” It is not meant to replace talking. It is a helpful tool to support #early communication. 

When adults use signs the same way every day, babies start to connect the sign with the word and the meaning. This can make the day calmer for everyone. 

When can babies start learning signs?
You can start modeling signs early—often around 6 months—because babies learn by watching. Many babies begin using signs back to you closer to 8–12 months, and some later. (Every child is different!)

A simple rule:

• You can sign before babies can sign back. 
• Keep it gentle and fun.

Why use signs with infants and #toddlers?
In child care, signing can help you understand needs faster—especially during busy times like meals, diapering, and transitions.

Benefits you may notice:

• Fewer tears and less frustration 
• More connection between the child and the caregiver
• Stronger routines (babies know what’s coming next)
• Support for dual #language learners and children with different learning needs 

Signing can also support #language- #development when you pair signs with clear words, eye contact, and warm responses. 

What are the best first signs to teach?
Start with signs that match your daily routine. Pick 3–5 signs and use them often for a few weeks before adding more.

Good “starter signs” include:

• More
• All done
• Milk / bottle
• Eat / food
• Water
• Sleep
• Diaper
• Help
• Please / thank you (optional, depending on your program)

Tip: Use signs that your families like too. If #parents use different signs at #home, ask them what they prefer so the child gets the same message in both places.

How do I teach signs in a child care #classroom?
You do not need to be an expert. You just need to be consistent.

Try this simple #plan:

• Say the word + show the sign at the same time
  Example: “More?” (sign “more”)
• Repeat it often during real moments (snack time is perfect)
• Wait and watch (give the baby time to respond)
• Celebrate attempts (even if the sign is not perfect)
• Never force hands (don’t grab and move a baby’s hands)

Keep your face friendly and your voice calm. Babies learn best when they feel #safe. #InfantCare

How can I add signing to daily routines?
Signing works best when it becomes part of what you already do.

Here are easy places to add signs:

During meals/snacks

• “Eat,” “more,” “all done,” “water”

During diapering

• “Diaper,” “help,” “all done”

During rest time

• “Sleep,” “blanket,” “all done”

During #play

• “Ball,” “book,” “music,” “help”

To stay organized, use the ChildCareEd #free resource Infant and Toddler Weekly Lesson Plan Template and write your “sign of the week” right into your plan. 

What if parents don’t want signing used with their child?
That can happen, and it’s okay. Communication with families should always be #respectful.

Try these steps:

• Explain the goal in simple words: “We use signs to help babies communicate needs.”
• Share examples: “It can help us know if your child wants more food or needs a diaper.”
• Ask for their preference: “Would you like us to use signs with your child?”
• Follow your program’s policy and document the family’s choice

If families say “no,” you can still use strong nonverbal communication like pointing, pictures, routines, and consistent words.

Does signing delay speech?
Most child development experts do not see signing as a cause of speech delay when it is used correctly (sign + word together). In child care, you should always keep talking, reading, singing, and describing what you’re doing. 

A helpful mindset:

• Signs support communication now. 
• Words grow over time.

If you ever have a #developmental concern, follow your #center’s process for observation and family conversations.

How can #teachers learn more (and feel confident)?
If you want to use signing well, training helps. These ChildCareEd courses are directly related and listed in the course catalog:

• Language Development in Early Childhood

• Early Learning with Infants and Toddlers (supports interaction, planning, and infant/toddler learning needs)
  
  
• 45-Hour Infant and Toddler Curriculum (deep training for working with children birth to age 3)
  
  

#ECE teachers often say that once they start using a few signs, the classroom feels smoother—especially during transitions.

Want a related ChildCareEd article with more classroom tips?
Read: How Baby Sign Language Can Benefit Your Classroom

It shares simple ways to start, signs that work well in child care, and why consistency #matters.

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